Herbal and weight loss supplements, an energy drink linked to liver damage

SAN DIEGO, California USA – At the 78^th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, four case reports presented described the negative effects of herbal and weight loss supplements and an energy drink. In these cases, the products caused severe liver damage and in some cases, failure. One of the reasons important drug side effects are overlooked is because patients fail to disclose supplement use to their physicians.

Case report 1: SlimQuick?-associated hepatotoxicity resulting in fulminant liver failure

There have been many reports of toxicity associated with dietary supplement use over the years, some with severe and even fatal outcomes. Lead investigator Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, M.D., reported a rare case of fulminant liver failure associated with the ingestion of SlimQuick?, a weight loss supplement containing green tea extract.

A 52-year old female patient was admitted to the emergency room after one week of vomiting and progressive jaundice. The patient reported she had ingested SlimQuick? for two days, while fasting three weeks prior to intake. Past medical and family histories of the patient were normal. According to Dr Halegoua-De Marzio, the patient’s physical examination showed normal mental status, icteric sclera, mild abdominal distension and lower extremity edema. Her liver biopsy was consistent with confluent hepatic necrosis with collapse. The steroid prednisone was started but discontinued after two days, as liver function worsened and mental status deteriorated. After being evaluated and listed for liver transplant, the patient underwent transplantation two days later.

“There is a lack of knowledge about the status of Food and Drug Administration regulation of dietary supplements,” said Dr Halegoua-De Marzio. “Currently, dietary supplements are not required to have safety or efficacy studies before they are marketed to the public, and they remain popular among consumers despite reports of hepatotoxicity. This case report is an example of how even minimal use of these unregulated dietary supplements can lead to fulminant liver failure requiring liver transplant. It is important that patients talk with their doctors before starting any new dietary supplements.”

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